The ensemble was founded in February 1996 as a merger
between the former Central Song and Dance Ensemble of China and the Light Music
Orchestra of China. The former Central Song and Dance Ensemble of China was
established in December 1952 under the solicitude and proposal of the republic
leaders Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi and Zhou Enlai.

During its 50-year history, the ensemble has enjoyed top
honors in many respects. As the first national song and dance troupe, the
ensemble won the first gold medal in an international contest for China and
garnered the most international medals (nine gold, nine silver and five bronze).
The ensemble also visited the most countries and regions (almost 100) as an
emissary of friendship, creating
and performing the most national classic works of dances and songs. The ensemble
has a glorious history of carrying forward and transmitting Chinese
culture.

The ensemble, which is headed by president Zhang Yesheng,
boasts a multitude of talents, including older generation artists like Zhou
Weizhi, Dai Ailian, Huo Xiyang, Jin Ming, Gu Jianfen and Liu Bingyi, as well as
rising stars of the younger generation like Chen Weiya, Wang Yougui, Fu Disheng,
Ren Jing, Cui Jinghao, Tang Can and Zu Hai.

Ensemble organizations include the vocal management
center, the dance troupe, the ethnic music orchestra, the light music troupe,
the choreographic team, the artistic creation research center, No One Division
and Dongguan Division.

With the support of the Culture Department of the
People's Republic of China, the ensemble has attained notable achievements in
the past and is anxious to make further progress in the
future.